Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects: Design and Construction, Ideas and Inspiration
What’s it all about?
I have a new bead embroidery book coming out with an official release date of Nov 1, 2013 and I see from the pre-orders on Amazon, it is doing pretty well. So….. I thought it might be a good time to explain what this book is (and what it is not).
From an overall perspective, I see this book as the final in a series, a trilogy, for bead embroidery. The first is Beading with Cabochons (2005). This book simply and gently takes you from “I’ve never done any of this technique” to a confident successful bead embroider. Between the photos, illustration and text, you will be able to proceed with confidence and expand your understanding….. Oh and by the way, probably become a bead embroidery addict! You will want to keep this book in your library to refer to the numerous techniques for bezels, attachment methods and edges.
The second book in the trilogy is Dimensional Bead Embroidery (2011). This book contains MANY techniques, not only new bezels, attachments and edges, but expands to include many surface stitches. Again, it is a useful reference book you’ll want to refer to as you create your own designs.
Although each of the above books contain projects, the lasting value is because of all of the techniques they have (and they don’t have duplicates). I have observed that most bead embroidery is one-of-a-kind, in other words, most people who do bead embroidery are not primarily interested in doing a project from a book. However, the value of the projects is still important because they show how to use the techniques, show the techniques in action so-to-speak.
My philosophy is that techniques are the “tools” we use to create our designs and the more tools (techniques) that are available to us, the easier and more successful our designs can be. This is the value of the first two books. I have created an index that includes both books which you can download. It shows a small photo of the technique and includes which book it is in and the page number. I keep this printout right by me in the studio…. So I can easily see the options when I am creating a piece. It helps me to keep my designs fresh and not just do the same thing all of the time!
In order to fully and completely explain all of the techniques, there is very little room left in the book for projects or explain designing. This is where the final book in the trilogy comes into play…..
So first let me say it is an unusual book because there is not a Basics section like you are used to seeing which explains beads, thread, tools, etc. Nor will you find a section on how to do the stitches. This is really a continuation of the previous books AND the stitches and techniques are fully explained in those books, so…. Do you really need another section on how to do Backstitch? Instead, the Basics section relates to the basics of design and the basics of construction. How to design, do’s and don’ts with construction, how to make templates for collars, etc.
Yes this is a book that contains over 30 projects. AND they are fully explained projects so you can simply do them or you can easily use them to create your own interpretation. What is different is that besides the projects, there is information on how that projects’ design was developed so you can easily develop your own unique designs. The book begins with necklaces designated as “The One” (basically pendant designs) and proceeds to Totem designs, followed by “the Many”, then designing using a bead collections and also doing Asymmetrical designs. After necklaces are chapters for earrings, pins and bracelets. Each have a discussion of their unique design and construction issues.
What makes this book different is what you are learning. Each project was selected to specifically teach a design process or something about construction methods. Like my previous books there are many “TIPS” included. But beyond tips, there are “Lessons” which are more full discussions, or steps and further explanations about the design or construction methodology.
So, if you know how to do bead embroidery stitches, this takes the next step to using them in designing jewelry. There is an index in back that shows the stitches but it really is a reference for understanding and communicating since many stitches have different names to different people. I may use a stitch in a project and I may refer to is as one name, but you know it as another name; this index will help in that communication issue. (yes, I am anticipating the Amazon review that complains they don’t have enough information to do the stitches even though the intro and other areas SAY it doesn’t have that…. )
And it’s 160 pages. (look at your other bead books, most are 128 pages… )
So, IT IS NOT FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER DONE BEAD EMBROIDERY AND DOESN’T KNOW THE STITCHES,
But…….
It is for anyone who knows basic stitches, both beginners and advanced bead embroiders. This will be a resource for how to use those basic stitches to create jewelry designs.
Even if you’ve been doing bead embroidery for a long time, there are valuable tips and techniques you’ll want to have….. Not to mention, it will be a great resource to expand your design possibilities and get you over a hump when you are having a creative block.
Looks like I'll have to be watching for your third book of the trilogy. Sounds great.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm reading your first book from this series now. It's very helpful for beginner, with clear instructions and great tips. I love it. And a friend of mine has your second book. Now I think I want to have the third book. I like your stile of explanations and instructions, I admire your projects!
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